The Pitman High girls soccer team bested their crosstown rivals, Turlock High, in an competitive matchup on Jan. 6. The Pride was able to score two goals late in the match to secure the 3-2 victory.

The Bulldogs were able to get on the board first with an early goal by senior Macy Max in the 10th minute which was assisted by junior Jenna Dean. Turlock senior Macy Martinez also connected with a header which was assisted on a corner kick by fellow senior Kylee Redman on a back post back across the goal.

“I thought my girls came out strong and played well given we had girls out due to sickness and injury,” said Turlock head coach Nicole Lonergan. “We held and controlled the midfield in the first half and unfortunately they tied right before the half. Pitman came out and scored early in the second half but the ‘Dogs kept pressing and we were able to tie it up.”

Senior Mya Sanchez, and future Oregon State Beaver, scored the first goal for the Pride in the 40th minute. Sophomore Lezley Mendoza scored the second goal in the 71st minute. With the game tied 2-2 fellow sophomore Lillyana Rodriguez scored the go ahead goal in the 78th minute with an assist from senior Isabella Green to secure the victory.

“The girls did very well and battled the entire game,” said Pitman head coach Annabel Perez-Rangel. “They gave it their all and they were able to come out on top.”

This was a physical game and despite the loss, the Bulldogs showed a lot of fight to the league leaders.

“The game was pretty physical and both teams never let down,” said Lonergan. “Despite the loss, I’m proud of the way my team conducted themselves on the field and the grit they showed to come back when down. I don’t think the final score reflected who controlled the game.”

Pitman is now 11-2-1 overall and 2-1 in league. Turlock is 10-2 overall and 2-1 in league. Next up for the Pride is a road game against Gregori on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. The Bulldogs will be at home against Modesto High on Friday at 5 p.m.